Advances in research on Glycine max (L.) Merr. phosphate and sulphate transporters

Phosphate and sulphate transporters are important carriers involved in the absorption and transport of phosphate and sulfate in Glycine max (L.) Merr., which is essential for improving the utilization efficiency of phosphorus and sulfur in soybean. Phosphate transporter families are responsible for the absorption and movement of phosphate in plants and can be divided into five major families, i.e., Pht1, Pht2, Pht3, Pho1, and Pho2. At present, most research has been conducted on the Pht1 family of G. max phosphate transporters, which has indicated that Pht1 plays an important role in phosphate uptake and transport. The Pht1 family can be further divided into three subfamilies with 14 members. Furthermore, GmSULTR1;2b is a G. max sulphate transporter gene specifically expressed in roots and induced by low sulfur stress. Based on the correlation between nutrient absorption, translocation, and utilization of soybean phosphorus and sulfur, this paper reviews recent research progress on the Pht1 family and GmSULTR1;2b gene, as well as on phosphorus and sulfur transporters in soybean, with predictions given for future research directions.